Carobs Diamonds and Muffins – Recipe and Story

What do Carobs Diamonds and Muffins have in common? Carats; and these healthy carob, molasses and almond muffins have a story for you!

Carob pods, diamonds and carob muffins all have something in common
Carob Pods, Diamonds and Carob Muffins All Have Something In Common

Carobs Diamonds and Carats Have A Story

The ancient Mediterranean carob seed, was once used to measure the weight of carats in diamonds

It was also found similar to the taste of cacao, when roasted and ground.

Furthermore, I have created an authentic Mediterranean Carob and olive oil muffin recipe, kissed with orange blossom water for you here, just so you can tell others about your Carats!  

Although, it won’t look sparkly on your finger, it will be a welcome healthy muffin in your tummy!

Carobs

Whether in Arabic (Qirat), Greek (Keration), or Latin (Ceratonia), Carob pods are highly prized for their flavor.

Additionally, known for their health benefits, weight of the carats of your diamonds, and an aphrodisiac! (Shhhh, don’t tell your friends or the stuff will disappear from markets!)

Carob seeds as measurement for diamond carats
Carob Seeds As Measurement For Diamond Carats

Where Do Carobs Come From

While I had to send to Egypt, via Amazon, to obtain the whole pods so I could show them to you, I actually picked them off the trees, while visiting Portugal many years ago. 

It was in Portugal that I learned about the tiny seed inside the pods (looking similar to tamarind or fave bean pods), that were once used by Arab jewelers, to weigh stones.

It was a time when a standard unit of known weight was not yet uncovered; yet the carob seed was able to be used because, as nature would have it, they were always precisely the same weight!

Ancient Mediterranean Carob and Olive Oil Muffin Recipe

The ancient Mediterranean ingredient, CAROB, will fast become your new favorite earthy rich dark flavor in baked goods, especially when blended with olive oil and a splash of Orange Blossom.

Mediterranean food, I hope you know by now, having spent time with me – Mediterranean Food is NOT a Diet!

Mediterranean cuisine is a lifestyle that incorporates some of the most ancient and rich foods of the world, in its cuisine.

From natural medicine to dessert, you will find some of the healthiest ingredients in the world, in the Mediterranean regions and hopefully throughout my recipes.

ancient Mediterranean Carob
Ancient Mediterranean Carob

I have experimented with several recipes using carob powder and found the intense earthy, yet sweet flavor, needed something to give it a bit of brightness.

Consequently, I realized that orange rinds and a splash of orange blossom water made for the perfect marriage with carob!

Ancient Mediterranean Aphrodisiac

An aphrodisiac, unlike anything else, it seems that regions of the Mediterranean, particularly Middle Eastern countries, have kept this secret to themselves.

carob fruit as an aphrodisiac
Carob Fruit As An Aphrodisiac

Just ask any Arab or Persian ‘old timer’ about boiling the carob fruit for a man to drink the liquid, when he was young.

They’ll tell you it increased sperm count, helping to resolve many a man of infertility. 

Why share an aphrodisiac with the rest of the world when you can keep it all to yourself?

Simply because, like so many good things that become known, we can no longer get them easily and the price goes up. 

Carob is NOT Chocolate

While many say carob is a chocolate substitute, I say it certainly is not.

The color may be the same but that is where it ends. 

Gently sweet, carob is likened a little to caramel, while cacao is bitter.

Certainly, a carob icing on any baked good, intensifies its appearance and at first bite, the surprise of a caramel, not chocolate, taste awaits.

Carob Dried Fruit Tart
Carob Dried Fruit Tart

Carob and Caffeine

There is zero caffeine in carob, making it a perfect ingredient for evening desserts, which of course can’t be said about cacao. 

I like knowing that I can enjoy a carob dessert or bread late in the evening and not wrestle with my pillows for hours once in bed!

Carob  has health benefits which make it really smart to introduce it to many of your recipes. 

moist rich muffins
Moist and Rich Carob Muffins

Carob Muffins

While there are many ways to bring carob into my diet, I wanted an easy quick bread I could have ready for breakfast or a to-go snack. 

Crushed almonds, measured in as part of the dry ingredients, brings another element of healthful benefits, as well as its nutty and sweet flavor. 

thick rich batter
Thick Rich Batter

Olive oil, as the fat used in this muffin, just makes sense because it too has health properties and a slightly fruity flavor. 

These muffins come together fast, simply by mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and then they bake to perfection in less than 30-minutes. 

carob muffins ready to bake
Carob Muffins Ready To Bake

How Else To Use Carob?

Many recipes that call for raw cacao can be swapped out with carob. I love to make a Chocolate Chili Pasta, savory, a bit spicy, and carob lends itself beautifully to making a savory pasta. 

Huge batches of Homemade Granola, to stir into my Homemade Yogurt is just something I like to have in my pantry.

Adding a half cup of carob powder to the granola mix before drying it out in the oven on a low temperature, is a great way to add flavor and more nutrients to your day. 

homemade granola
Homemade Granola
homemade yogurt
Homemade Yogurt

Homemade, homemade, homemade! I know you hear me refer to many homemade items I use in my kitchen, but it’s true.

Growing up in a Mediterranean influenced home, was how the Old World Ways were kept alive and passed down in our family.

Anyone can buy stuff at the store, but if one day you can’t… it’s nice to know we can Make It At Home!

Ingredients Needed

  • Carob powder – this brand has been my favorite carob powder.
  • Flour
  • Almonds
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Eggs
  • Molasses
  • Sugar
  • Olive oil
  • Orange blossom – there is always orange blossom and rose water in my pantry.
  • Orange rind
  • Milk – any type
Carob muffin ingredients
Carob Muffin Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Food processor, blender or spice grinder to grind almonds
  • Wooden spoon
  • Muffin tins
  • Baking paper cups
  • Wire whisk or hand mixer

My Muffin Madness Cookbook

Now that I’ve got you thinking outside the box about muffins, are you ready to try other creative and delicious muffin recipes you won’t find anywhere else?

Hot off the press this year: My Muffin Madness Cookbook!

My Muffin Madness Cookbook
My Muffin Madness Cookbook
Carobs Diamonds and Muffins - Recipe and Story

Carobs Diamonds and Muffins!

The rich earthy yet sweet flavor of carob and molasses, with orange blossom and olive oil, make for an ancient Mediterranean quick bread, or muffin.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Muffins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Carob Muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • Muffin tin

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Carob powder
  • 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Almonds crushed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Molasses
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Orange blossom
  • 1 tsp Orange rind
  • 3/4 cup Milk any type
  • 1 tbsp Raw coarse sugar optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350.
    Oil muffin tins, or use baking cups.
  • Whisk the eggs, molasses, sugar, olive oil, orange blossom and orange rinds together in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the carob powder, flour, crushed almonds, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
    Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  • While whisking, add the milk and continue to whisk until the batter is creamy.
  • Divide the batter into the muffin tins. Sprinkle a little sugar crystals on top (optional).
  • Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
Carob Diamonds and Muffins
Carobs Diamonds and Muffins
Robin
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